A new partnership between the University of the Fraser Valley and FortisBC is putting the spotlight on gas absorption heat pump (GAHP) technology at UFV Chilliwack’s Trades and Technology Centre.
It's going to give students in trades some real-world experience and cutting edge-technology to explore at the TTC.
Made possible by a significant contribution from FortisBC, seven gas heat pumps were installed at the trades and tech centre in Chilliwack, estimated to save 860 gigajoules of natural gas, and 37 tonnes of greenhouse gases per year.
A gas absorption heat pump is a type of heat pump that uses natural gas as the fuel, and are typically for commercial or institutional applications, as opposed to electric heat pumps which use electricity.
At a gathering on Oct 9, UFV president Dr. Joanne MacLean lauded the environmental benefits.
“It’s fitting that our beautiful Chilliwack campus is the site of this announcement,” MacLean said. “The forests, mountains, rivers, and lakes that surround this place of learning remind us of the importance of protecting the natural environment that sustains us.
“This partnership with FortisBC is more than just an investment in infrastructure. Installing gas absorption heat pumps reduces our carbon footprint and moves us one step closer to our goal of being a net-zero campus.”
With included measurement and verification instrumentation within this type of heat pump, and the ability to showcase real-time performance data, the trades and tech centre will become a demonstration hub for property managers, engineers, and contractors.
Dr. Teresa Kisilevich, dean of the Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies, said the future possibilities for UFV’s students and faculty are intriguing.
“As we prepare students for careers in trades, hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology is critical.
"By integrating these heat pumps into electrical, plumbing or drafting curriculum, they can engage directly with technology that addresses today’s urgent demand for sustainable energy solutions,” Kisilevich added. “As educators, we know that hands-on, real-world learning fosters deeper understanding and equips students and apprentices with the expertise and confidence to succeed.”
Danielle Wensink, director of conservation and energy management at FortisBC, said the UFV install is the largest the organization has ever done, and is one of the largest across Canada. It comes at critical time as the heat pump tech gains momentum.
“UFV is absolutely leading the way as a proponent of GAHP technology, and it’s so incredible to see that this space in the Trades and Technology Centre is going to be a demonstration centre,” Wensink said. “We are excited to have students, contractors, builders, engineers, and others learning more about this technology, and we are proud to partner with an organization that understands the impacts of energy efficiency and the benefits it brings.
“This project is a testament to the dedication of the UFV team, who really are visionaries in this space.”
